SGPT Summer 2014 Book List

Many of you will be traveling and on the road or heading to the beach.

Check out this list of SGPT recommended books to help build you mind.

Lone Survivor book review by JW: This book is a compelling, easy read that you will find hard to put down. Lone Survivor: The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10 takes you through SEAL training in Coronado, CA and gives you a deep appreciation for just how hard it is to become a SEAL, while the second half takes you through a harrowing battle that in many ways validates just why the SEAL selection and training process is so difficult and so effective.

Fearless book review by Chris J: I was somewhat conflicted when I read the story of this hero. Having read many of the books published about Navy SEALs, one thing stands out, they all have an extreme focus on the end goal and make choices that move them closer to that goal. In the book Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown, Adam Brown made some bad choices that had to be overcome. While any journey to wear a SEAL Trident takes a monumental effort, Adams journey is even more incredible with all the stumbling blocks he encountered.

Service book review by Brandon Webb: Marcus was a student of mine when I was the Course Manager for the Naval Special Warfare Sniper program (Navy SEAL course). I also put his brother Morgan and Axelson through the course a few months prior to him showing up in 2001.

All were great students. I still remember his twin brother Morgan shooting me that steely eyed Texas glance as he said, “you going to take care of my brother when he comes through?”, “of course”, I said. I wasn’t let down either.

I’m still waiting for the hard copy of Service: A Navy SEAL at War his wonderful wife Melanie is sending me. I couldn’t wait, I’m impatient like that, and bought the eBook for my iPad. I’m a fast reader and don’t normally read SEAL books but this was one I read in one sitting.

Marcus takes you through the rest of his career in the SEAL Teams and shares some excellent stories from Iraq that you would never hear about if his story was not told. Most importantly, he selflessly features other heroes and their stories. All gave and some gave all since 9-11. Marcus is a great story teller and you need to buy this book.
Brandon out.
Former US Navy SEAL, Editor-in-Chief of SOFREP and author of The Red Circle.

American Sniper review by Alex: Excellent review. D. Roberts succinctly and accurately explained the major problem(s) that “negative” reviews on this particular book have described. I read reviews before I buy a book and I start with the negative reviews first and work my way up to the 5 star reviews. I bought American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History and was surprised how good it was and how extremely subjective and polarized some of the negative reviews had been. Thank you to this reviewer for their “honesty” and eloquence. I’ve been wanting to say what D. Roberts said and couldn’t find the right words.

More Gear that we recommend for your summer workouts:

Bodyglide Anti-chafe review by Kevin: I’m fat, I chafe, it’s gross and hurts like hell.
This product solves that problem. I started walking 10 miles a day, normally by the 5th mile I’m ready to call someone to pick me up. Not because i’m exhausted, tired, muscles hurt. Because my fat thighs are rubbing together trying to make fire like I’m trying out for Survivorman. As long as I remember to put this on before my walk (applied like deodorant) I am completely chafe free. The Bodyglide Original Anti-Chafe Balm is a lifesaver.

Rhino Laces review by Nic: What can I say? Last pair of work/hiking laces I have to buy. Quality is excellent. I wish the little plastic “no tie” clasp that comes with the Rhino Laces was a little more tough.

I have a feelings I will break them fairly quickly. Instructions recommend tying laces in a square knot which holds quite well. Will be recommending these to all my Appalachian Trail hiking buddies!

Jaco fight shorts review by Jimmy: I bought these mainly for my Crossfit workouts. I wanted a white pair of breathable MMA shorts for the various movements I have to perform.

Overall I’m pretty pleased with the comfortablility and the material of the Jaco Resurgence MMA Fight Shorts which is sort of a stretchy fabric — I would have preffered it to be a little more stiff. However, the fly is a little difficult to open once you’ve put it on.

LaSportiva Wildcat review by Andrew: I’ve been using LaSpo shoes exclusively for the last five years. I own Trango Ice Evos, Trango Alps, Spantiks, Crosslites, Wildcats and multiple climbing shoes. The La Sportiva Wildcat fit is consistent and the quality unmatched. I have used Montrail shoes in the past and love their fit and tread, but they don’t hold up like a LaSpo. The Wildcat is a great trail runner for 3 season conditions (Combined with a gator for off-trail or snow), however they are best for summer. Check out the Crosslite with the built-in gator for more variable conditions.

Voodoo Tactical operator ball cap review by Roger: Fantastic hat.

Embroidering is top notch, no strands of thread hanging off the hat. Comfortable and light weight with a good fit. If it gets wet it dries quickly.

Prosok review by Brad McLeod:
I received a pair of the PROSOK Bamboo Socks socks the other day and have worn them multiple times while out rucking/backpacking, running, CrossFit, mountain biking and doing yard work. I love the feel of these socks and am putting them on again today to hit it up again. I will be buying another pair and using them on my next GoRuck event.